New Pakistani Government Moves to Ease Restrictions on Media

Pakistan's new government has moved to lift harsh restrictions on the media put in place during November's state of emergency.

Information Minister Sherry Rehman introduced legislation Friday that would clear the way for live media broadcasts. The measure would also prevent officials at the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority from shutting down news channels, seizing equipment, or fining and imprisoning journalists.

Rehman said the new freedoms would place a "heavy responsibility" on journalists and other members of the media.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf first moved to curb the media when he declared a state of emergency on November 3. He lifted the state of emergency just over a month later but left restrictions on the media in place.